¹⁸ It is good to grasp the one
    and not let go of the other.
    Whoever fears God^(A) will avoid all extremes.^[a]

⁷ “Can you fathom^(A) the mysteries of God?
    Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?

⁸ They are higher^(A) than the heavens^(B) above—what can you do?
    They are deeper than the depths below^(C)—what can you know?^(D)

¹² But where can wisdom be found?^(A)
    Where does understanding dwell?^(B)
13 No mortal comprehends its worth;^(C)
    it cannot be found in the land of the living.^(D)
14 The deep^(E) says, “It is not in me”;
    the sea^(F) says, “It is not with me.”
¹⁵ It cannot be bought with the finest gold,
    nor can its price be weighed out in silver.^(G)
16 It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir,^(H)
    with precious onyx or lapis lazuli.^(I)
17 Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it,^(J)
    nor can it be had for jewels of gold.^(K)
18 Coral^(L) and jasper^(M) are not worthy of mention;
    the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.^(N)
19 The topaz^(O) of Cush^(P) cannot compare with it;
    it cannot be bought with pure gold.^(Q)

²⁰ Where then does wisdom come from?
    Where does understanding dwell?^(R)

²⁸ And he said to the human race,
    “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,
    and to shun evil^(A) is understanding.”^(B)

⁶ They plot injustice and say,
    “We have devised a perfect plan!”
    Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.